Got a book in your head? Get it published

If you are a wannabe author, there perhaps is no better time than the present to put your thoughts into words and those words onto paper.

With six tips for getting your book published in 2008.

Gary Brown

“I ought to write a book.”

If you are a wannabe author, there perhaps is no better time than the present to put your thoughts into words and those words onto paper.

Print-on-demand publishers such as AuthorHouse (formerly 1stBooks) are making it increasingly easy for authors who are not named Stephen King or John Grisham to get their works into print.

“Our tagline is ‘Get your voice in print,’” said Keith Ogorek, director of marketing for AuthorHouse, which on its Web site says it has “helped more authors publish more titles than any other company.”

AuthorHouse provides editing and proofreading services, helps with marketing and sales, and offers distribution and royalty payment assistance — while allowing authors to have creative control over the finished product.

Many potential authors write with their dream of publication left unfulfilled, Ogorek said.

“Many people never quite know how to get it done,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know that services are available to get published.’’

To get the words of new authors out, AuthorHouse is promoting a campaign for writers with a book in their head to make it a resolution to publish it in 2008. To assist with that writing process, the publisher is providing a set of six tips for getting published.

“Not everyone is going to be the next J.K. Rowling, but that’s OK,” Ogorek said. “A lot of people think that to be a successful author you’ve got to sell a lot of copies. In reality, the way to be a successful author is accomplishing the goal — seeing the book in print — realizing that by accomplishing that goal you are going to be influencing people’s lives.

“The joy of writing a book is seeing the book published. That’s a very satisfying thing. One of the reasons a lot of people don’t finish their books is because they think it takes years,” said Ogorek, “when in reality, with self-publishing, many authors can, for a few hundred dollars, publish a book in a very short time.”

1. Pick a target date for holding the first copy of your book in your hands. Staying focused on this date will help you remain productive and avoid procrastinating. Many first-time authors pick dates that have special personal significance, like their 50th birthday or a professional meeting or convention.

2. Pay attention to the best time and place for you to write productively. Most experienced writers will tell you they’ve learned there are better times for them to write then others — and better settings. Once you’ve figured out where and when you do your best writing every day, commit to it. One author, for example, stated he could write more in one hour between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. than he could in the 3 hours between 2 and 5 p.m.

3. Outline a schedule and stick to it. Once you pick your publication date, work backward to where you are now and put dates on a calendar of when you need to have your manuscript complete and submitted. Also, build in time if you need illustrations or editing.

4. Make yourself accountable to someone for finishing your book. Choose someone who will check in periodically and make sure you’re staying focused. It can be a friend or family member or someone familiar with the process.

5. Create a plan for marketing your finished book. The success of a book is often directly tied to a successful marketing program. Put together a plan for how you’ll get the word out about your fantastic new book. Your own Web site, press releases, book signings and speaking engagements are all things you should consider.

6. Plan an event to celebrate the publication of your book. Writing a book is one of the greatest accomplishments of your life. Celebrate this achievement by throwing a launch party or schedule a book signing at a local bookstore. This is more than a book, its part of your legacy. Take a few moments to pat yourself on the back and enjoy your achievement.

Source: www.authorhouse.com

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